Update: No internal candidates made the cut

I just spoke this afternoon with Stan Paz of Ray & Associates, the firm hired to help find Oakland’s next superintendent of schools.

Paz wouldn’t tell me much, but he did say this: None of the four semi-finalists selected by the board were internal candidates. So much for the hopefuls presented here thus far…

These four people will be interviewed by the school board next week. The top two picks (potentially three) will face the public from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20. The next day, an advisory committee selected by the board will talk to the finalists. The board is scheduled to conduct its final interview — and, if all goes according to plan, announce the name of the new superintendent — on Friday, May 22.

Katy Murphy

Education reporter for the Oakland Tribune. Contact me at kmurphy@bayareanewsgroup.com.

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Stunning, really, when you consider that not one local candidate will have the opportunity to share his/her vision before the interview panel.

I hope the community comes out in force to convey its deep, deep displeasure with the process.

Alice saw the train coming and wisely stepped out of the way.

Public School Fan

Thank goodness. I am hopeful that someone from outside OUSD can bring in some needed leadership skills and perhaps a more objective perspective on some of the issues that seem to continuously bedevil the district.

Small Town Kid

It sounds like all of the candidates had a chance to talk to the interview panel – isn’t that what “None of the four semi-finalists selected by the board…” meant?

I think it is a good thing that internal candidates weren’t selected; superintendent of a school district this large is a big job. It doesn’t seem like a promote from within position – I think it needs strong management skills and some management exposure outside OUSD.

Catherine

I agree with Small Town Kid. If someone works for OUSD, they should move on to a functioning school district as Superintendent, then come back to us with that experience.

There’s too much heavy-handed politics involved when “one of our own” moves up the ranks without having move out first.

harlemmoon

Well, like they say about government: You get the Superintendent you deserve. And we’ve all seen how that’s worked out.
And when Don Perrata becomes the next mayor of Oakland your fate will be sealed.
Good Luck with that!

Wondering

Katy — When you write that ‘none of the hopefuls presented here’ are on the short list — does that include Hae-Sin Thomas?

Katy Murphy

I think so.

TheTruthHurts

Good reporting. I’m shocked they let that information out. Why let us get pissed before it’s necessary. I am actually thankful the Board can look past internal candidates if they are not best for the job. Let’s hope they told them the bad news before you did. Otherwise, the disrespect continues.

I just hope whomever it is has the stomach to deal with the problems and the passion to stick through the rough times ahead.